http://0rz.tw/mrj6a

16.5 PPG, 4.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds 1.3 steals 2.7 turnovers. 51% TS, 46%
eFG%, 22% Ast, 14% TO rate, 23% USG, and posting a 103 Ortg, 2 OWS’s, and
0.59 WS/48 on the year.


He scored 0.86 PPP overall (264th in the NBA). His 3 strengths this season
came from cutting to the rim (1.31 PPP converted baskets at a 69% clip), ISO
situations, (0.74 PPP, converting 37% good for 129th in NBA) and as a PnR
ball handler (0.71 PPP converting 35% good for 109th in NBA) His spot-up
numbers were horrid posting a .70 PPP converting baskets at a 32% clip , 19%
from 3, and was ranked 293rd in the NBA in these situations


He allowed 0.88 PPP (points per possession) overall on defense (good for
278th in the NBA) and when defending in ISO situations (0.70 PP, good for
87th in the NBA) allowed opponents to shoot 31% and PnR ball handlers (0.79
PPP, good for 107th in the NBA) allowing opponents to shoot 42%. . He allowed
spot up shooters this season to get 1.01 PPP in those situations (good for
255th in the NBA)


Analysis:


Offense-

I’m actually far more impressed this season with his offensive numbers than I
’ve been in his whole career. He was able to maintain is playmaking ability
from the off-guard spot which is a great sign for us moving forward. He found
a way to work off the ball and become a relatively efficient scorer working
without the basketball. What’s frustrating is how good this guy could be if
he could stretch a defense. He’s already posted strong numbers in most other
areas of scoring (transition, cutting to the rim, ISO situations, working in
the PnR) with defenses knowing what he’s going to do. It’s a credit to him
and his talent level that he’s still able to get solid production other ways
without being able to score outside of 5 feet.

However, it always comes back to the same elephant in the room of him: He
needs a jumpshot. It’d be an interesting project to look at, but I’d be
willing to bet he was among the worst jump-shooters this season amongst
starting level guards this season. Of his 119 spot-up jump shots, (49 of them
3s) he was only able to convert at a 32% clip and even a more pitiful 19%
from 3. This flat out has to improve if he wants to take his game to the next
level and be an elite offensive player in this league. His inability to hit
outside shots not only hurts him, but other guys Cousins as well. Defenders
can help off Evans and double Cousins with worrying about Evans hurting them
from the outside. The correct route for Reke would be for him to just abandon
the 3pt shot Ala Wade. Wade was able to keep a defense honest shooting 42% in
spot-up situations and only took 11 3s in 83 spot up attempts. His offensive
game is so close to being on the next level. It’s up to him now to finally
take the time and work out a respectable mid-range game.


Defense-

Reke managed to show signs of being at the very least an above average
defender and potential to be elite down the line. His defensive numbers were
overall solid, with the only blemish being his inability to defend spot-up
shooters. They absolutely torched him this season scoring over a point per
possession which is unacceptable for a guy who does well in other facets of
defense. Being in the top 100 ISO defenders is fantastic to see as a guard,
and just missed the cut for being top 100 in off-screen defense and PnR Ball
Handlers. The potential for him to be the elite defender we want is certainly
within his grasp, it’s just a matter of him putting it all together and
taking his game to the next level.

I’d like to see Reke put in a higher level of effort on defense every night
and not take nights off. Being that poor at defending shooters is inexcusable
when he did so well in ISO and PnR situations. His defensive metrics indicate
he can be one of the top guard defenders in the league by as early as next
season. He just has to learn to close out on a more consistent basis and
bring the same level of high intensity every night.

Conclusion-


Tyreke is really right on the cusp of being a fantastic basketball player and
joining the leagues "elite" guard status. He began adjusting rather well to
his off-ball role by the end of the year and his numbers began to reflect it.
Really, he's already above average in virtually every category of basketball
you can think of; except for the 1 thing that holds him back from being an
elite player. Having a jumper that defenses have to respect will open his
game up so much and take all his current "very good" skills and turn them
into "elite" skills. I'm glad I did this little project as it reopened my
eyes to how good of a player Tyreke can be with improving a few aspects of
his game. This summer will be crucial for him to add the jumper and make it a
weapon, rather than a hindrance. The same goes for his defensive ability.
Being that poor at defending spot-up shooters indicates a lack of effort
rather than a lack of skill. He will be amongst the leagues best guard
defenders once he understands/realizes that he can lock down anyone with
bringing a high level of effort and intensity. Here's to hoping that Reke
adds the last few aspects to his game this summer!